Thursday, November 24, 2011

There are disturbing signs this morning that Germany is being dragged into the Europe's worsening debt crisis.

The economic powerhouse has failed to convince some global investors that unlike other parts of the Eurozone, German government debt is a safe enough bet.

Today's auction of ten year German bonds left risk takers cold and since has been described as "disastrous" after 35 percent was left unsold.

The fear factor relating to all things European means that even quality German debt now has a guilt by association with struggling economies like Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Spain - the much feared PIIGS.

Not surprisingly, Investors are acting first and asking questions later. Right now, it's looking like much later.

And one big albeit distance question is whether the PIIGS acronym might soon be joined by another "g".

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Former Gunns chairman John Gay is due to face court in Launceston next month on charges of insider trading.

The allegations - if proven - would be an important victory for the corporate regulator as watchdogs around the world crack down on white-collar crime.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is alleging that Mr Gay, while chairman of Gunns, used insider information to profit from a personal share transaction - information that he knew was not available to the general public.

But insider trading cases are notoriously difficult to proven and Mr Gay is certain to mount a vigorous defence.

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About Peter Ryan

is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Business Editor, contributing to a range of ABC News programs including the flagship radio current affairs program AM and ABC News 24. Peter developed ABC business programs including Lateline Business and Business Today. He was the ABC's Washington Bureau Chief in the 1990s and has served in management positions including Head of TV News & Current Affairs in Melbourne.